CHARLOTTE, N.C. – General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products [GDATP], a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), was awarded two contracts totaling $16.3 million by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command, Rock Island, Ill., for the production of 1,151 M2HB 12.7 mm machine guns. The first contract, for $14.7 million, was awarded July 15, and an additional option for $1.6 million was exercised on July 20.

The M2HB crew-served 12.7 mm / [.50 BMG] machine gun features…

a rate of fire of over 450 rounds per minute and a maximum effective range of 2,000 yards. Its high level of lethality and versatility has made it the work standard in its class. The M2HB 12.7mm/.50BMG machine gun is in the military inventories of over 30 countries including the United States.

Deliveries on this contract will commence in July 2005 and proceed at a rate of 50 units per month. All work will be performed at General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products’ [GDATP] Saco, Maine, facility.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products [GDATP] provides a broad range of system solutions for military and commercial applications. The company designs, develops and produces high-performance armament systems; a full range of advanced composite-based products; biological and chemical detection systems; and mobile shelter systems. More information about General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products can be found on the internet at www.gdatp.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 69,400 people worldwide and anticipates 2004 revenue of $19 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the company is available on the Internet at http://www.generaldynamics.com."

About David Crane

David Crane started publishing online in 2001. Since that time, governments, military organizations, Special Operators (i.e. professional trigger pullers), agencies, and civilian tactical shooters the world over have come to depend on Defense Review as the authoritative source of news and information on "the latest and greatest" in the field of military defense and tactical technology and hardware, including tactical firearms, ammunition, equipment, gear, and training.